SPRINGDALE, Ark. — What began as a routine night drive ended in tragedy and criminal charges after **26-year-old Jose Medina** struck **Juliet Jabuwe-Komanta**, then fled the scene. Police say the fatal hit-and-run occurred around **10 p.m. on October 9, 2025**, at the intersection of **Highway 71 and Don Tyson Parkway**, a busy stretch often crowded with both vehicles and pedestrians.
According to investigators, Medina was making a **right-hand turn** when his **white Honda Pilot** hit Jabuwe-Komanta, who was crossing the road. Witnesses reported seeing the SUV stop briefly before speeding off, leaving the victim gravely injured on the pavement. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses captured footage of the vehicle, which became key to identifying the suspect.
Officers later located the Honda Pilot at Medina’s residence, showing visible damage consistent with the crash. When questioned, Medina **admitted to striking Jabuwe-Komanta**, telling police he **panicked after realizing what happened** and fled instead of calling for help.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes of the collision and transported Jabuwe-Komanta to a local hospital, where she was later **pronounced dead** from her injuries. The victim, described by neighbors as a warm, hardworking woman who recently moved to the area, leaves behind family both in Arkansas and abroad who are struggling to comprehend the sudden loss.
Medina has been **charged with felony leaving the scene of a fatal accident**, a serious offense under Arkansas law that carries significant prison time. Authorities have not released information about possible additional charges pending the results of toxicology and crash reconstruction reports.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. Police are urging drivers to slow down and remain alert, reminding the public that fleeing a crash only deepens the tragedy for everyone involved.
